Weekly Waiver Wins Blog

The waiver wire is where championship teams are born.
Once a week, I'll post simple waiver wire targets right here that just make sense.
No long-winded explanations - just the facts to help you find that winning edge.

Got a tip? A hot take? Shoot me a message on reddit at u/fantasyfootballtiers, or shoot me an email: hello [at] fantasyfootballtiers.com.

Week #18

January 2, 2023

Feels a little hollow at this point because most championship finals were week 17, but I know some of you are still fighting the good fight into week 18, so here we are. Again congratulations if you've made it this far! It's a bit of a rough situation for week 18 because in addition to navigating injuries, some teams are sitting their starters ahead of the playoffs, but let's see what we can find. If any of the previously listed players are available, check them out first.

RB: Malik Davis, Dallas Cowboys

I could mention all the obvious names, but they're almost certainly already rostered: Allgeier, Cook, Moss... so instead we need to find a guy who might see an expanded opportunity in a solid offense looking to rest some starters before the playoffs. Malik Davis fits this profile.
1. He shared snaps with Zeke while Pollard was out in week 17, earning 10 attempts and 2 targets. Legitimate volume.
2. He's on a team that's all but secured their playoff spot - the Cowboys may look to give Pollard another week of rest to ensure the thigh injury doesn't persist.
3. He's rostered in only 1% of Yahoo leagues, so should be available.
There is a reasonable chance that Davis sees another game with decent volume. If you're short an RB, he could be a good option.

WR: K.J. Osborn, Minnesota Vikings

Similar to Malik Davis, the value in K.J. Osborn this week is that he's generally not considered a starter and therefore won't likely be held out of the Vikings week 18 game for rest. After the beat-down that the Vikings suffered against the Packers, you have to think they'll come out swinging.
1. He's in a pass-first offense and may inherit WR1 duties if the starters are rested in week 18.
2. He put up 59 yards and a TD on seven targets in week 17.
3. He's only 11% rostered in Yahoo leagues.
If you need a boom/bust option at WR for week 18, Osborn is a decent option. In week 18 he gets a good matchup with Chicago and if Minnesota rests their top receivers, he'll have plenty of opportunities to demonstrate his talent.

WR: Tyquan Thornton, New England Patriots

I wrote about Tyquan back in week 9. He's continued to play (mostly) as the third-string WR in New England, but has been elevated to WR2 in recent weeks. Again, somebody needs to play in week 18 and if Meyers / Parker rest, Thornton could see his volume increase substantially.
1. He saw seven targets in week 17 (his highest of the season) and ran routes on almost every single Mac Jones dropback.
2. He's got speed to burn and Buffalo isn't afraid of a shootout.
3. He's still rostered in only 1% of leagues and therefore should be available.
The options are generally pretty slim this week and there's a lot of uncertainty on who will play and who will rest. That said, if you have a gap at the WR position, Thornton isn't a bad option - better than a dart throw.

Week #17

December 26, 2022

Congratulations if you've made it this far! Again, the options are typically few and far between at this stage of the season, but let's do our best to find something that might work in week 17. If any of the previously listed players are available, check them out too.

WR: Richie James Jr. and Isaiah Hodgins, New York Giants

Regular readers know that I typically look at volume to pick waiver targets - the proof is in the pudding, after all. Richie James Jr. saw 12 targets (to lead the Giants) and turned them into 90 yards in Week 16. He's quietly built some momentum over the past month and a half. Hodgins has also averaged 6 targets per game over the last four, making him a viable flex option. It's tough to pick one of the two here, but recency bias makes me think that James Jr. is probably the better bet. The Giants play the Colts in week 17 and their pass defense is pretty good, but volume is king, and with three decent WR options the ball will be spread around to keep defenses guessing.
1. Over the past 4 games, RJJ is averaging 7 targets and Hodgins is averaging 6.
2. RJJ has earned almost 14 PPR points in 4 of the last 6 games.
3. Hodgins has scored 3 TDs in the last 4 games.
As always, nobody has a crystal ball, but these receivers seem to be picking up steam and they're barely rostered: Hodgins is rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues at the moment and RJJ is rostered in 17%.

RB: Royce Freeman, Houston Texans

When Houston standout rookie RB Pierce went down with a season-ending ankle injury, he broke a few fantasy hearts. Royce Freeman has shown up pretty well in his absence, though, which softens the blow for managers who picked him up.
1. He's basically unrostered at "0%" in Yahoo leagues.
2. He looks like he's got the Houston backfield pretty well to himself - Ogunbowale is taking relief snaps.
3. He gets the Jaguars in week 17, who, while good, don't have the Titans run defense.
Listen, you're desperate, Freeman is available. Just go with it.

WR: DeSean Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

I'll be honest, I don't think this pick is going to pan out, but for deeper leagues there are very, very few options. When looking at the waiver wire it's a mix of matchup, opportunity for volume, and momentum - best if you can hit on all three. Jackson really only checks the opportunity box... he has inherited the WR2 spot on the Ravens roster, but the team is in shambles, and the coaching staff certainly hasn't shown they're scripting Jackson in. But if you're desperate, at least you're getting a guy reasonably high on the depth chart.
1. He's the WR2 behind a mediocre Demarcus Robinson, meaning there's always a chance to step up.
2. He's still got some speed and the Pittsburgh defense isn't great against the WR position.
3. He's rostered in 1% of leagues so he's definitely available if you're desperate.
If you're going this deep into the waivers, you're probably in playoff trouble. Consider Jackson as a boom/bust option who might bail you out, but don't get your hopes up.

Week #16

December 19, 2022

It's always slim pickings at this time of year - if anybody mentioned so far in this blog is available, chances are he's your best bet. If not, read on you brave soul, and best of luck in your playoffs! (Or your consolation round...)

RB: Zack Moss and Deon Jackson, Indianapolis Colts

Taylor is out. His volume will be replaced by some combination of Moss and Jackson, but as to who will lead that backfield... it's anyone's guess. Jackson got the lion's share of carries earlier in the season when Taylor went down, but in week 15 it was Moss who took over and played 67% of snaps (to Jackson's 32%). Seems like a coin toss at this point, so see who's available and try for one or both, and watch what the media reports on the situation as it develops throughout the week.
1. Moss saw 24 carries and 1 target in week 15 after Taylor went down - that's solid volume.
2. Jackson's week 5-6 fill-in for Taylor resulted in 25 carries, 14 targets and a TD - that's solid production
3. Both players are rostered in under 10% of leagues, so both should be available.
If you were counting on Taylor in your fantasy league playoffs, you're in for a rough week 16. The best you might be able to do at this point in the season is replace his production with his handcuff. Unfortunately, the answer to who's the main handcuff is clearly in question.

WR: Marquise Goodwin, Seattle Seahawks

Seattle has had a rough few weeks, but they're still pushing for a playoff position. Tyler Lockett went down in week 15 with a hand injury and is likely to miss 1-2 weeks. This situation immediately elevates Goodwin to the WR2 spot behind Metcalf, and you better believe DK will continue to draw the best opponent corners, opening up the field for Goodwin.
1. He's the WR2 on an offense looking for answers but pushing towards the playoffs.
2. He's got one of the most efficient QBs in the league this year in Geno Smith.
3. He's rostered in only 3% of leagues, so is likely to be available.
Despite their recent struggles, Seattle has been a surprisingly good team this year and you can bet they'll be looking to win a few here to solidify their playoff berth. DK can't catch everything, and defenses will zone-in on him - this should open up Goodwin's game and he has shown that he has the skill to capitalize.

WR: Russell Gage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

We've all watched Mike Evans struggle this year. Chris Godwin has been pretty good. But WR3 Russell Gage popped off in week 15 and this might be the time to get in on the action.
1. He saw 12 targets in week 16 with Evans and Godwin catching the attention.
2. He's still got one of the smartest QBs in the league throwing him the ball in the GOAT Tom Brady.
3. He's rostered in 13% of leagues so there's a solid chance he's available.
It's still likelier than not that the Bucs make the playoffs, but it's far from a sure thing. Their playoff lives are at stake here, and they're facing a beatable Cardinals team in week 16. All things point to another opportunity to do well, so consider Gage if you need help at WR.

Week #15

December 12, 2022

TE: Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars

Holy smokes Evan, what was that?? Nevermind RBs and WRs, if you need a lotto ticket at a flex position and Engram is available, consider him for your playoffs. Look, this season has been a bloodbath of injuries, so not all of us are heading into playoffs with a healthy lineup. I'm not saying to do it if you have a choice, but if you're navigating a hurting roster, there's a chance Engram could bail you out. Don't count on almost 40 points happening again, though.
1. He saw 15 targets in week 14 and converted those into 11 receptions for 162 yards and a couple of scores.
2. He's seeing TLaw develop in real time and is benefitting from better play. The Jags are putting things together at the right time.
3. He's rostered in only 42% of leagues so there's a decent chance he's available for you.
We all know the TE position is a wasteland. Kelce is balling out, but even Andrews is struggling mightily this year. If you're streaming TEs, this is a no-brainer, but even if you've got Kelce or Andrews on your team, Engram could slot in well as a flex. Or, play defense, and park him on your bench so your playoff opponent can't benefit.

TE: Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans

Speaking of TEs, Okonkwo is making a name for himself in Tennessee. Ryan Tannehill isn't exactly lighting things up, but he still has to throw to somebody. With Treylon Burks out, that WR depth chart is pretty sad: the ghost of Robert Woods, Nick who-is-this Westbrook-Ikhine... it's not pretty. Enter Okonkwo who's seen 5, 5 and 6 targets in his last three games. Volume is king.
1. He's averaging over 5 targets per game over the past three weeks, and that's nothing to sniff at for TEs.
2. He's got to be considered one of the better receivers on the team at this point - the Titans just don't have many options.
3. He's earned the trust of his OC Todd Downing.
This will continue to be a run-first offense with Henry doing his thing, but if anybody is making hay while Burks is sidelined, it's Okonkwo. By earning his coach's trust he's giving himself the opportunity for more game script and who knows, maybe he's the next big thing.

WR: Chris Moore, Houston Texans

I wrote about Chris Moore back in week #8 and it looks like we got our answer: Chris is getting the targets with Cooks and Collins out. There's a decent chance that both those players are out for week 15 as well (and Cooks potentially for the season given his feelings about the team), and against KC you can always count on the potential for a shootout.
1. He's established himself as the go-to option with Cooks and Collins out.
2. He's coming off the most yards in a game of his career: 124.
3. He 2% rostered. He's available. And you're desperate.
Like I said - pickings are slim. But, you never know, maybe the cookie crumbles the right way for Moore to take another step. Houston will have to sling it to have a chance against KC, and I think it's unlikely Cooks returns. The only question mark here is whether Collins returns to the lineup. If Collins returns I'd probably look elsewhere, but if he's out again in week 15 then you could do far worse than taking a shot on Chris Moore.

Week #14

December 5, 2022

RB: Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams

Oof, the wire is thin. If you need help at RB, you're between a rock and a hard place. One option that might be available to you is resident 2022 bust, Cam Akers. I know, I know - we've been through this before. But here's the thing - over the past three weeks Akers has averaged 13 attempts per game. If he's available in your league, then 13 attempts per game almost certainly leads your waiver wire.
1. He's back to being RB1 with the exit of Darrell Henderson, and Kyren Williams hasn't shown out yet.
2. He's on an offense that, though struggling, has to make major changes given Stafford's season-ending spinal injury. The Rams could move further towards a run-first game plan.
3. He's rostered in 46% of leagues on Yahoo, so might be available.
A second chance. That's what Akers is getting here. If you're struggling at RB then consider giving him a second chance on your roster too (besides, there aren't exactly better options available).

WR: Nico Collins, Houston Texans

I can't believe I'm suggesting you pick up a Texan receiver, but again we're looking at volume here to predict future success.
1. He's averaging about 9 targets per game over the past three weeks, probably top of the options on your wire if he's available.
2. He's WR1 on the Texans with Cooks' fall from grace and nagging injuries.
3. He's shown he can find the endzone.
He isn't much more than a dart throw, but let's be real - if you're looking at the wire this late in the season, that's all you're going to get anyway.

WR: Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders

I wrote about Jahan back in week #2 and it's been an up-and-down season for him. Out from week 4 through 9, since returning in week 10 Dotson has increased his snap share from 41% to 79% in week 13 - that's solid growth.
1. He's clearly earning trust - the snap share growth to 79% in week 13 coincided with 9 targets.
2. He's outplaying Curtis Samuel, and will look to lock in the WR2 position across from Scary Terry.
3. He has the 14th easiest strength-of-schedule for receivers on the remainder of the season.
Note that Dotson is on Bye in week 14, but if you're needy at WR, he might work out for you as a playoff flex, especially in deeper leagues.

Week #13

November 28, 2022

RB: Zonovan Knight, New York Jets

Another rookie RB getting a shot at full time work. Zonovan Knight took over lead back duties when Michael Carter went down with an injury in week 12 and put up respectiable volume: 14 carries and 3 receptions for 103 yards. If Carter misses time (nobody has a crystal ball but I think it's likely he misses week 13), Zonovan is primed to score you some points.
1. He filled in admirably for Michael Carter in week 12 and could be in for more now that his feet are wet.
2. He's on an offense that's pushing hard to figure out what works before the playoffs, and long throws aren't their forte.
3. He's rostered in only 2% of leagues.
As always at this time of year the RB waiver is thin. If you're managing injuries or bye-weeks, Zonovan is a decent rental with upside.

WR: Skyy Moore, Kansas City Chiefs

It might finally be time to buy some shares in Skyy Moore. In the last two games, Skyy has seen his role in the offense spike with injuries to Toney and Hardman.
1. He's on one of the most electric offenses in the league.
2. He garnered 6 targets and 5 receptions in weeks 11 and 12 - a spike in production.
3. He's got speed to burn - look out if the Chiefs decide to gameplan for him the way they did for Tyreek.
Despite the preseason hype, Skyy is rostered in only 10% of Yahoo leagues, so he's probably available. Skyy-high potential (see what I did there) upside with this waiver wire pickup.

WR: Kendall Hinton, Denver Broncos

If you're truly desperate, this one's for you: a WR substitute in the slot role playing in a terrible offense but with an easy-as-pie schedule for the next three games. Kendall Hinton is filling in for Jerry Jeudy. LET'S RIDE!
1. He's filling in for one of Wilson's top targets in Jerry Jeudy.
2. He's earned 57 receiving yards two games in a row.
3. He's playing against weak inside defenses for the next three weeks: Carolina, Baltimore and KC.
Kendall Hinton is rostered in only 1% of leagues, so he's almost certainly available unless you're in one of the deepest leagues around. I don't trust the Denver offense whatsoever, but desperate times call for desperate measures and Hinton is in a position to succeed here. Let's just hope Wilson can get him the ball.

Week #12

November 21, 2022

RB: Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals

When Samaje Perine took the wheel after Mixon went down in week 11, he put up great totals: 15 touches, 82 yards, 3 TDs. He'll take a backseat to Mixon when he returns, but you have to think we'll get to see Perine play at least one more game. Concussions are no joke and the Bengals don't need to rush Mixon back with Perine playing so well.
1. He's demonstrated great skill in both the rushing and passing game.
2. He's filling in on one of the most high-powered offenses in the league.
3. He's only 8% rostered.
The RB waiver is pretty thin, and Perine will likely be the hot rental this week, so if you've got FAAB left then this might be the ticket to help you win another week down the stretch.

WR: Demarcus Robinson, Baltimore Ravens

It's been a rough season for Baltimore receivers. With Rashod Bateman done, Baltimore looked set to elevate Devin Duvernay to the WR1 spot. Week 11 went differently, with Demarcus out-targeting Duvernay nine to one. Looks like there's a clear winner here.
1. He has little competition for targets; 9 TGTs in week 11 to Duvernay's 1 TGT.
2. He demonstrated quick feet and put up 128 yards against Carolina.
3. He's on a team pushing towards the playoffs and Lamar can't do it with only his legs.
There aren't many opportunities to pick up WR1s at this stage in the season, but Demarcus Robinson looks to be just that kind of opportunity. If he can keep it up, the Ravens will have two legitimate receiving threats in Andrews and Robinson, and that should work to benefit both players. Robinson is currently rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.

WR: Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions

Jameson Williams - a college superstar bit by the injury bug. The Lions have designated Jameson to return, so if he's available on your wire and you've got a bench spot to work with, consider picking him up. There's no way he returns for the week 12 thursday tilt against Buffalo, but a week 13 game against the Jags could be when he makes his debut.
1. He was touted as one of the best college receivers in the country before his championship game injury.
2. He was taken 12th overall despite the torn ACL, and has been rehabbing for a year.
3. He's on an offense that has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but needs more at WR.
Opportunity, meet talent. The Lions have shown they can be a creative and explosive offensive team. Their RB room is set with Swift and Jamaal Williams, but their WR group needs some work outside of Amon-Ra. With Jameson Williams there might be some rust, but Detroit is looking good at the right time in the season and there will be opportunities for Williams to make plays. It sounds like the coaches are coveting his speed, so it's likely they'll get him involved early and often. I love this kind of lotto-ticket pick. Take a shot!

Week #11

November 14, 2022

WR: Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers

Christian Watson will be the hot waiver wire pickup this week, for obvious reasons - he crushed it in week 10 with 3 TDs and 107 yards. Rodgers doesn't often go back to a guy who drops an early ball, but in this case he did, and to great effect. Here's why Watson is worth some of your precious remaining FAAB:
1. He's shown he might be the best receiver on the team - neither Doubs nor Lazard have run away with the WR1 role.
2. He looks like he's building rapport with Rodgers - why else would the old MVP go back to Watson after dropping a couple balls?
3. He's got draft pedigree as a second-round pick with serious physical talent.
Watson has had trouble staying healthy, and even in week 10 he had a couple visits with the medical team. Still, can't argue with 8 targets, 3 TDs, and a century of yards. This is the upside we look for, especially late in the season, and he's only rostered in 8% of Yahoo leagues. If you've got FAAB left, spend it on Watson. There's a chance you get burned by his tendency for injury, but, personally, I'm willing to give it a shot.

WR: Zay Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars

I'm going to revisit one from earlier in the season in Zay Jones, and here's why: since I last wrote about him in week 4, Zay has continued to rack up the targets, earning 65 to WR1 C. Kirk's 82 - that's pretty solid, and he's still only rostered in 22% of leagues. Following their week 11 bye, Jacksonville's schedule is pretty WR friendly with games against Baltimore, Detroit and Tennessee. Here's the reasoning I gave back in week 4, updated:
1. He's been rock solid as the WR2 behind Christian Kirk.
2. He's captured targets on a team with WR scarcity - who else is TLaw going to throw to?
3. He's on a team that looks primed to take another step forward.
Lawrence has continued to show flashes of real QB1 work, but it's up and down. If TLaw can take advantage of the relatively easy next few games (following their bye), Zay Jones might put up some big numbers. I still don't think Zay is going to win you your league, but many of us are hurting due to injuries and bye weeks, and the Jaguars' WR2 might be your answer.

RB: Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs

I've resisted writing about Pacheco because I generally try to stay away from the RB room in Kansas City. This is a pass-first offense and, honestly, CEH just hasn't shown himself to be a fantasy stud. That said, there aren't enough RB1s to go around, so you might have to pick up KC's runner(s) after all. Pacheco looks like he's slowly but surely taking over this backfield:
1. He played a team-leading 57% of snaps in week 10.
2. He took 16 carries for 82 yards - pretty decent production.
3. He's on a high-scoring offense and the TD opportunities will come.
This team will always find a way to move the chains, which means more opportunities to put up fantasy points. It looks like Jerick McKinnon will be the receiving RB going forward, which limits some of Pacheco's potential, but even so it's reasonable to expect 15+ touches per game for the up-and-comer. If you're desperate for an RB, consider Pacheco - he's only rostered in 24% of Yahoo leagues.

Week #10

November 7, 2022

RB: Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams

The Rams are barely better than hot garbage right now, but Kyren Williams could change all that in a Week 10 return. A fifth-round pick in 2022, Kyren looks set to return to the field this weekend, and could slot right into the RB1 role. The team is clearly out on Akers, and Darrell Henderson just ain't it. If he's still available in your league, he could be a great late-season pick up.
1. He's taken all the time he should need to get healthy.
2. He's returning to an offense that needs help, particularly at RB.
3. He doesn't have the best draft pedigree, but he was noted as a solid, shifty runner in college.
There's no way Jeff Wilson Jr. is still available in your league (if he's there, stop reading and go get him right now). Barring injuries, there aren't many opportunities left to snag a team's potential RB1. If you've got the patience to deal with the growing pains of a rookie returning from injury, give Kyren a shot.

WR: Treylon Burks, Tennessee Titans

No, Treylon Burks didn't blow us out of the water when he played in weeks 1-4, but he had a few moments. Burks is eligible to return this week, and head coach Vrabel is quoted as being "excited" for Treylon's return. Assuming Tannehill isn't out for long (and it doesn't seem like a significant injury), Burks should pick up where he left off, though with some new attention and urgency from the coaching staff. Their gameplan isn't robust - opponents know that the ball is going to be in Henry's hands. Burks' return could change that.
1. He's got the coach's trust and has kept in good shape while out.
2. He on a team that's playing well, but desperately needs help at WR.
3. He's on a team that leads the AFC south and should continue to push towards the playoffs.
It felt like Treylon didn't quite get up to speed as a rookie in his four games this season - hopefully he can light things up when he returns, whether that's week 10 or 11.

TE: Foster Moreau, Las Vegas Raiders

This one's pretty deep given that Foster Moreau is only rostered in 4% of leagues but... he's getting targets, and points follow targets. Over the past four weeks he's averaged 6.3 targets per game - that's enough to support a WR, let alone a TE. We all know the TE slot is a rough position for all but two managers in every league (the Kelce and Andrews owners), so if you're looking for TE help while Waller is out, consider Foster.
1. He's the TE1 on a decent offense until Waller returns.
2. He's averaged 6.3 targets per game over the past four - plenty of looks for a streaming option.
3. He's the second option behind the one and only Davante Adams - a pretty good place to be.
Foster's got some upside - bye weeks are here, and it's a jungle out there if you're streaming TE. If you need a TE or even just a flex, consider Foster Moreau.

Week #9

October 31, 2022

WR: Tyquan Thornton, New England Patriots

It looks like DeVante Parker avoided a major injury this weekend, but it also looks like he may miss a game. If that's the case, Tyquan Thornton should see an uptick in targets. Thornton showed us what he can do back in week 6, but has mostly remained the third-string behind Meyers and Parker. With Parker out, NE needs somebody to step up - this is Thornton's chance.
1. He's shown us flashes of skill before - week 6 was a breakout game.
2. He's 3rd on the depth chart and a lock for 2nd if Parker misses time following his Week 8 knee injury.
3. He's got an opportunity to step up, but the Colts aren't an easy WR matchup.
New England is looking to build momentum towards the playoffs and this is another winnable matchup. If you're navigating byes or are in a deep league without many options at WR, consider Thornton for week 9.

WR: DeAndre Carter, Los Angeles Chargers

If you're in a deeper league, take a look at DeAndre Carter. Justin Herbert needs to throw to somebody, and with Allen and Williams out, Palmer and Carter are up. Palmer has had the waiver buzz for a few weeks already, so he's rostered in 27% of leagues. Carter's only rostered in 6%.
1. He's got one of the league's premier QBs in Herbert looking his way.
2. He has a real opportunity to demonstrate his skillset with Williams and Allen out.
3. He's playing against an Atlanta secondary in week 9 that's the second worst in the league by WR points allowed.
Could this be a changing of the guard in LA? Probably not. But you never know!

WR: Donovan Peoples-Jones, Cleveland Browns

A third WR this week, but this one's a stash. The wire is thin my friends. DPJ has actually had a pretty consistent, respectable floor this season. And let's not pretend he's had a good QB at that. With Watson possibly returning week 13, Donovan's outlook is on the ups.
1. He's second on the team in targets (behind Amari).
2. He's demonstrated a decent floor, scoring 7-10 points since week 4.
3. He's got a better QB on the horizon that might help your late-fantasy-season playoff push.
The browns are surprisingly good. Chubb is having a great season and the team is clicking. As long as they're moving the chains, the TD opportunities will come, and DPJ is showing a good floor. You could definitely do worse than him in your flex spot.

Honorable Mentions:

Rondale Moore, Arizona Cardinals - I've wrote about him before but he's still rostered in only 37% of leagues. He went off in week 8 so he'll be a hot commodity in your league this week if he's still available.

Week #8

October 24, 2022

WR: Phillip Dorsett or Chris Moore, Houston Texans

Brandin Cooks looks like he might be out (it's unclear whether that's because he's on the trade block or he's injured), and Nico Collins is injured. Who's next up? It's either Moore or Dorsett and your guess is as good as mine. I'm leaning towards Moore since he's seen over twice as many targets this season (16) as Dorsett (7).
1. They're going to share the workload and it's anybody's guess as to who leads the target share.
2. They're both looking to prove that they can step up in the absence of Cooks and/or Collins.
3. They're playing the Titans in week 8, who give up the third-most fantasy points to WRs.
Oof, the wire is thin this week. If you're desperate then maybe one of these two will help you out. Edge to Moore.

QB: Marcus Mariota, Atlanta Falcons

If you're in a 1-QB league and have Mahomes or Herbert, you need a replacement this week. If you don't carry two, Mariota might be the ticket here. Chances are that Daniel Jones is already rostered, but Mariota is only taken in 26% of leagues.
1. He's in a winnable game this week against the reeling Carolina Panthers.
2. He has a decent floor with his running ability.
3. He STILL has Pitts and London to throw to... JUST GET THEM THE BALL, MARCUS.
Best of luck on your QB bye-weeks!

RB: James Cook, Buffalo Bills

This is more of a bench stash for now. The Bills are often playing from ahead, and down the stretch they may look to minimize Allen's effort later in games in favor of a predictable grind-it-out strategy.
1. He's already taken over the RB2 spot on the Bills behind Singletary.
2. His schedule looks good: Packers, Jets, Vikings, Browns, Lions... none are great teams against the run.
3. He's only rostered in 22% of leagues (Yahoo).
With the way the RB position has been so volatile this year, I'm stashing as many as I can. Cook is one Singletary injury away from being RB1 on the best offense in the NFL.

Week #7

October 17, 2022

WR: Parris Campbell, Indianapolis Colts

Another Colts WR this week! It's only been one week of success, but Parris Campbell looked decent in Week 6. Look, at this stage of the season we're trying to find guys who can carve out some targets when given the opportunity. Parris saw 11 targets last game. There's competition with Pierce for work behind Pittman, but chances are high that Alec Pierce has already been snapped up in your league.
1. He got double-digit targets in week 6 - that's all we can really ask for.
2. He's on a team that increasingly looks for the short pass, and that's his role.
3. He passed the eye test in week 6.
I know the wire is pretty thin these days, but there are worse bets you could make than Campbell, so if you need WR help, why not?

RB: Kenyan Drake, Baltimore Ravens

Uh... Drake crushed the Giants when he took the field. When Dobbins went down, the performance Kenyan Drake put on has to have him as the top waiver pickup this week. He's only rostered in 6% of leagues (Yahoo), so should be available - if you're needy at RB, be prepared to spend some FAAB.
1. He looks to be the lead back in Baltimore, for the moment, with Dobbins going down.
2. He absolutely lit up the Giants, so with a *matchup dependent* disclaimer, we know he can put up points.
3. He appears to have the trust of coaching staff.
It's great luck if you can land a starting RB at this stage of the season - Drake might be that guy. If you've got some room on your bench, he's worth grabbing and might pay dividends ROS.

WR: Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants

Speaking of that Giants-Ravens game... Wan'Dale is the WR1 now, right? He has to be, by default. Not a lot of track record here but Daniel Jones has to throw to somebody. The talent appears to be there, so if you're able to take a shot on somebody who hasn't proven their worth yet, Wan'Dale is a decent option.
1. He's WR1 by default.
2. He has talent and draft pedigree, and is only now getting an opportunity to show it.
3. He's got the Jags next week, who have looked exploitable.
It's up to Wan'Dale to prove he's the real deal, but an early pickup is how you capture that value. Let him pop off on your bench if you've got better options on your roster already, but maybe he'll be a starter for you in a couple weeks.

Week #6

October 10, 2022

RB: Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots

Obviously if you're in a deep league, Stevenson isn't going to be available right now. If you're in a 10-team (or fewer) league, check the waivers. I was lucky enough to pick him up on Thursday for free, but he's going to go for big FAAB dollars this waiver cycle.
1. He's looked the most dynamic back in NE since acclimating to the league.
2. He's a great receiving back - better than his (former) competition, Harris.
3. His only real competition in the backfield is injured.
Damien Harris' injury doesn't look terribly serious, so profit with Rhamondre while you can.

RB: Kenneth Walker, Seattle Seahawks

This one is also obvious - many of you already picked up KW knowing that it was only a matter of time before Penny went down with injury. Unfortunate that it looks pretty serious - send good vibes Penny's way. This scenario gives KW sole-posession of the main job, and Seattle is still a run-first offense. This is pretty much a plug-and-play RB2 rest of season.
1. He's now the undisputed RB1 on his team with no real competition.
2. He's in a run-first offense that's doing surprisingly well - the chains are moving.
3. He's got solid draft pedigree - arguably should have been in the Heisman conversation in college.
I've been pretty thrifty on FAAB so far this season, so I'm planning to spend 25-30% on KW this week. If nothing else, I should have a really attractive piece to trade.

WR: Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts

Not sure I trust this offense at the moment, but A. Pierce looks pretty legit. He's definitely the WR2 on the team, but could he be more? He's only been on the field for about half of the snaps, so there's room to grow. On the other hand, he's making good use of his targets, catching 8 of 9 for 81 yards.
1. He's WR2 in an offense with few receiving weapons.
2. He's trending up and has room to grow on share of snaps.
3. He's got the Jags next week (neutral) but then the Titans and Commanders which should be plus matchups.
If you've got some room on your bench, WR injuries to backfill, or a bye week to navigate, consider Alec Pierce.

WR: Rondale Moore, Arizona Cardinals

Remember Rondale Moore? I wrote about him in Week #1. Following an injury that put him out for weeks, he's back, and he got his feet wet in Week 5. Week 6 is a jucier matchup against the Seahawks, and this might finally be his chance to break out.
1. He passed the eye test in YAC in a tough week 5 matchup.
2. He's still one of the only really talented receivers on the Cards until Hopkins returns.
3. He's rostered in only 18% of leagues, so he's probably available.
The waiver wire's looking pretty thin these days, but if you need help at WR then I'd pick up some shares of Rondale for week 6. Don't spend too much FAAB though - he still needs to prove himself and Hopkins' return will muddy the waters.

Week #5

October 3, 2022

RB: Brian Robinson, Washington Commanders

Personally, I bought the hype on this guy. Grabbed him off waivers week #1 and stashed him in my IR slot. If you're lucky enough to see him on your waiver wire right now, go get him. Robinson is currently owned in 54% of Yahoo leagues, but his ownership is about to jump. He might play against Tennessee in Week 5, but hold off until we get to see him in game-action. Antonio Gibson ain't it, and the coaching staff know it. Robinson is going to take over that backfield. BOOK IT.
1. He won the RB1 job in camp before being shot.
2. He looks good in practice already.
3. His competition for the RB1 role is weak.
This is league-winner potential - the Commanders are doing surprisingly well on the offensive side of the ball, but Gibson has butterfingers. Given Wentz's history as a passer I have to think the coaching staff will direct the ball into Robinson's hands.

RB: Mike Boone, Denver Broncos

Feel bad for Javonte. Such a talent. When he went down, Boone took most of the RB snaps. It's unclear whether MGIII's still "got it," so I'd strongly consider taking a shot on Boone. The coaches clearly have Gordon on a short leash, since following his fumble in the first half he barely played.
1. He got the majority of the snaps when Javonte went down in week #4.
2. He has more trust from the coaching staff than his closest competition, MGIII.
3. He's playing in a short turnaround Thursday night game.
We could be wrong. Maybe MGIII shows he's still the RB2 and takes the position back from Boone. But chances are MGIII is already rostered, so why not take a chance on Boone?

RB: Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons

CAUTION: THE ATL FALCONS OFFENSE SUCKS. That said, there was a lot of hype around this guy in the preseason. With Scoredarelle out, Tyler's going to get some snaps. That's all there is to it.
1. He looked decent in camp.
2. He ran 10 times for 84 yards in week #4.
3. He's got about 4 weeks to show what he can do while Patterson is out.
He's competing with Caleb Huntley for work, but Allgeier looks to be the more efficient back. Talent (usually) wins out. Take a shot on Ty.

Week #4

September 26, 2022

WR: Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers

If you didn't take a chance on him on draft day it might be time to roster this rookie. Rodgers is notorious for his mistrust of rookies, but Doubs showed in week 3 that he can catch the ball.
1. He caught 8/8 and scored a TD. Rodgers' trust is growing.
2. He leads GB in targets... PPR anyone?
3. He has a hall-of-famer throwing to him.
I wasn't sold on Doubs early in the season, knowing Rodgers' preference for the known-quantity (which was Lazard). But on talent, I think Doubs leads the GB receiver room and he's had a good showing. If you've got room on your bench, stash this guy. New England (GB's week 4 opponent) is pretty stingy on giving up air yards, but with Doubs you're looking for longer-term potential.

RB: Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals

If you ignored the earlier advice and didn't pick up Khalil Herbert, shame. Well, maybe Samaje Perine is your second chance - he's no Mixon, but he garnered 47 rushing yards and 14 receiving yards (on 2 targets) plus a TD in barely two quarters of football. If Mixon isn't ready to go on Thursday, or if the Bengals decide to lighten his load a little bit (which seems to be the trend across the league), look to Perine for some flex appeal.
1. He's a handcuff to one of the best RBs and best offenses in the league.
2. He showed he's capable of making hay when given the ball (13 Half-PPR points in two quarters? Sounds good to me).
3. He's got nobody behind him on the depth chart.
Obviously if Mixon is good to go, he's going to continue to get the lion's share of work. But the NFL trend is clear - more teams are going to a RBBC approach and even those who still lean on a bell-cow back are working in periods of rest / fewer snaps.

WR: Zay Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars

I might be drinking the kool aid here, but Zay Jones looked... good? The Jacksonville offense looks like it's clicking now, and Zay was a big part of that in week 3. He's WR2 behind Kirk, but caught himself 10 receptions this week and has 19 on the season.
1. He demonstrated bonafide WR2 potential behind Christian Kirk.
2. He's captured targets on a team with WR scarcity - who else is TLaw going to throw to?
3. He's on a team that looks primed to take another step forward.
Jacksonville ain't what it was. Lawrence looks like he's developing well, and his receivers are going to benefit from that. I don't think Zay is going to win you your league, but if you need some help at flex, why not? A word of caution: the Jags are playing the Eagles in week 4, so this one might be a hold.

Honorable Mentions:

Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions - Obvious value here if Swift can't go in week 4.
Mack Hollins, Las Vegas Raiders - 10 targets, 8 receptions... defenses are looking the other way (Adams, Renfrow, Waller).

Week #3

September 19, 2022

WR: Garrett Wilson, NY Jets

Cue the nervous laughter from Elijah Moore fantasy managers. Rookie Garrett Wilson saw 14 targets in week 2 for 102 yards and two (yes, two) TDs. Clearly Flacco's favorite target, Wilson is set to have another good week when the Jets take on the Bengals. We all know the Bengals secondary isn't exactly stellar, so if you're in need of help at WR, see if you can get this guy off waivers.
1. He's got a high ceiling - is he 2022's Ja'Marr Chase?
2. He saw 14 targets in game 2... that's great usage and he converted them into 102 yards and two TDs.
3. He out-performed E. Moore on target share 33% to 12%.
Yes, this is with Flacco. But surely it's fair to assume that Zach is watching the same thing we are and simply can't ignore him when he returns? That said, we've got at least another week with Joe.

WR: Russell Gage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Whelp. If you watched the Saints-Bucs game yesterday (or you're an Evans manager), you know things didn't quite work out for Brady's most consistent receiver. He's suspended for one game, meaning he'll miss TB's tilt against Green Bay. Who's next up on the depth chart? You guessed it: Gage. On the one hand, the Packers secondary is pretty legit, so it's not exactly an easy matchup for Russell Gage. On the other hand, Brady always plays up to a challenge, and this very well could be the last time we see a Brady-Rodgers showdown. That's a big stage.
1. He's now the top of the depth chart.
2. He's got Tom the GOAT Brady passing to him.
3. He's playing in potentially the last Brady-Rodgers game ever.
Not much else to it. Brady. Big stage. Vacated targets. My guess is Gage eats. If you're an Evans manager in a deep league, consider swapping Gage in for a week.

QB: Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

Are you a Trey Lance truther? Rough result on Sunday. Send good vibes to Trey for a swift recovery.
Now you need a QB. Well, if Cousins is available, I like him as a safe bet rest-of-season. On the other hand if you're willing to take a little gamble... is it Tua time? IT'S TUA TIME BABY! Where the heck did that performance come from??
1. He passed for 462 yards and six touchdowns - insane.
2. He looks like he's found chemistry with the Waddle-Hill combo, and that's a stack you've gotta love.
3. He's got a decent run game to fall back on - I think the sky's the limit with Tua.
Given his history I think we can expect some further growing pains, but you can't argue with that week 2 result - the potential is certainly there. With the emergence of Mostert raising the bar in the backfield (because you know Edmonds isn't going to go quietly) this team could be a surprise offensive juggernaut.

Week #2

September 12, 2022

RB: Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears

This is the first year I think David Montgomery was fairly valued in the draft, and here's why: the new coaching staff loves their 2021 draftee NFL sophomore Khalil Herbert. He looked great when splitting carries last year and was a real RB1 when Monty went down. KH has done nothing but continue to earn the trust of his coaches. An excellent Week #1 performance has his stock on the rise - expect him to continue getting high-value touches. K. Herbert has flex appeal on his own but also represents significant upside in the event of an injury to Monty. Yes the offense still has question marks, but we all know this is absolutely a run-first team. Go get him!
1. He plays in a run-first offense: 66% of plays were rushes in game 1 (yes the weather was bad, but the 49ers ran only 55% rush plays).
2. He's explosive, has earned coaching staff trust, and already went through the rookie growing pains.
3. He's one Monty-injury away from weekly RB1 upside.
I love me some Monty, but there's writing on the wall... Montgomery doesn't yet have a contract worked out for next year, and he hasn't outplayed Herbert. The coaching staff should be happy to split carries and minimize wear and tear on their two excellent backs. Ownership would be thrilled to lock in Monty at a low rate on his next contract, which would be justifiable given fewer carries and lower overall stats due to a split with KH. I'm definitely looking at my bench this week to see if I can add K. Herbert.

WR: Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders

Well, I picked Rondale Moore last week with a slight edge over Jahan Dotson - guess who popped off on my bench? Classic. Dotson flew under the radar a little bit compared to the other five receivers taken in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. I was lucky to grab him with my last Fantasy Football pick, since after scoring TWO TOUCHDOWNS against Jacksonville from CARSON WENTZ (yes, you read that correctly) he's due for some waiver-wire love. Not that it really matters, but I'll note that the other five first-round WRs scored a total of zero TDs in week #1.
Now, it was Jacksonville, but Wentz was clearly comfortable passing to the rookie. They're both new in town, so why not? If you've got a need at WR and room on your bench, take a shot on Dotson (since it looks like Rondale Moore might be out a while).
1. He has legit draft pedigree and has done well to demonstrate pro-readiness so far.
2. He ran a route on 97.5% of the passing plays against Jacksonville.
3. He scored 2 TDs on a target share of only 12% - I see this as room for yardage upside while building rapport with Wentz.
Not gonna lie - despite being a DJ Moore truther, after his poor first outing with Mayfield I'm strongly considering giving his roster slot in week #2 to Dotson. Washington plays Detroit next week and their secondary is... not good. Could be another good week from the rookie WR. Pick him up while you still can.

QB/TE: Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints

What in the world are the Saints doing with Taysom Hill? Does it matter? Bottom line - he's a wildcat quarterback being listed as a tight end (at least on Yahoo Fantasy). If the Saints keep using him this way, this is an absolute cheat-code at the TE position. Unless you have a more pressing need at another position, this is a pretty cool roster stash or flex play.

Week #1

September 5, 2022

RB: Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay has demonstrated that they're happy to use a single workhorse runningback as opposed to any kind of split or committee. Simply put, if uncle Lenny goes down, Rachaad White is positioned to take advantage of the opportunity. Don't overthink it - grab this guy and stash him on your bench.
Here are some additional reasons to add White to your roster:
1. He played in a fairly pro-ready system in Arizona - he's ready for the big league.
2. He runs routes well, is an experienced pass-catcher, and has good hands.
3. He looked solid in the preaseason with some good breakout runs; he showed excellent awareness, followed blocks, and was patient with the O-line to open holes.
There's a lot to like here. At this stage in the season you're still trying to understand the value of who you drafted - if there's anybody you're already questioning, consider dropping him for Rachaad White. If you're in the market for another RB and you have the luxury of being patient, go get this guy.

WR: Rondale Moore, Arizona Cardinals

Get in on the ground floor, folks. He might not be ready for Week #1 (he's questionable with an undisclosed injury), but Rondale Moore should see a lot of early-season action while Hopkins is out (expected to return Week #7). Personally, I'm grabbing him now - there's a real chance he'll be snapped up before Week #2.
Rondale could be the next Deebo - sound crazy? Here's why:
1. He ran screen routes on 30% of his snaps last year. Deebo hit a high of 18% back in 2020.
2. He ran against zone coverage on 89% of his routes. Typically, WRs run less than 70% against ZC (Deebo feasted against ZC last year).
3. He ran from the backfield on 19% of snaps (that's crazy high, and we all saw what Deebo did from there last year).
Given Rondale's crazy dexterity and agility, if used correctly he certainly could be Deebo 2.0. It all depends on how Kliff Kingsbury utilizes Rondale's massive talent.